Workshop at the National Institute for Child Health

Today was our educational workshop at the National Institute for Child Health in Lima, a joint effort with Eleanore’s Project and Yancana Huasy. This was our first time working with this institution, and it was great fun!

An older and picturesque entrance to the hospital.
An older and picturesque entrance to the hospital.

This government hospital was built 83 years ago; steps worn from thousands of feet over the years attest to its age. Although the facility is old, amazing medical treatment occurs within its walls and 85% of the care is provided to children from poor families. I was impressed with the attitudes and warmth of the people I met.

Just inside the front doors of the hospital - a busy scene.
Just inside the front doors of the hospital – a busy scene.

 

Today’s workshop focused on postural care to protect and restore the body shape of children with movement problems, followed by a briefer session on positioning for postural stability during activities. Chris (OT), Marlon (PT) and Emily (PT) from Yancana Huasy, and Mary Beth (OT student) and Sammie led small groups in lab activities, and two beautiful young children came with their mothers to help “teach the class” during demonstrations. About 25 therapists and doctors attended and participated in the workshop.

 

 

Chris demonstrates the effects of leg position on chest shape.
Chris demonstrates the effects of leg position on chest shape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mary Beth's group compares chest width measurements in different positions.
Mary Beth’s group compares chest width measurements in different positions.

The information presented today was warmly received and it was fun to meet new colleagues. Kudos to Luis Hurtado, our wonderful translator, who did a magnificent job. It would have been impossible to teach this material without him!

Group photo of Eleanore's Project and Yancana Huasy teams and part of the hospital rehab staff.
Group photo of Eleanore’s Project and Yancana Huasy teams and part of the hospital rehab staff.

 

Tonight is our last night at the Bonbini. Tomorrow we take our luggage and go to Yancana Huasy for the morning where we will prepare for the clinics that will begin there on March 18. After lunch we will go to the airport for our 5 pm flight to Arequipa where several more team members will join us on Saturday.

Author:
Filed Under: Education, Peru 2013